Huskies look to keep success going

WEST SALEM -- The Northwestern Huskies won eight football games last season for the first time since 2013 and hope to keep the momentum going this fall.

The Huskies hosted a playoff game for the first time since that same year and look to make the state playoffs in consecutive years, which they last did in 2012-13.

Coach Mike Thut has about 40 players out for this year's team, a bit smaller than usual for a Northwestern squad, which lost a solid senior class, led by Thut's son, Brock, at quarterback.

"We liked to see a little better numbers," he said. "Most years we are over 50 but I guess a lot of places are struggling with that."

Given the duties of taking over for the younger Thut is senior Mason Wilhelmy.

It will be a hard task, as Thut threw for 2,424 yards and 24 touchdowns a year ago, and rushed for 212 more yards with five TDs.

Wilhelmy has limited experience at the quarterback position, throwing 12 passes and completing seven of them for 49 yards and one touchdown last season.

However, Thut is confident in his signalcaller, who also plays linebacker (42 tackles in 2016) for the Huskies.

"He shows great leadership and he's going to end up being a three-year starter on defense, so it's not like he doesn't know about Friday nights," Thut said. "It's a little scary having a linebacker playing quarterback, but Mason's a tough kid.

"All of our juniors or seniors are growing up," Thut added. "They're realizing that they have to step into some shoes for some people and they've been working hard and they are doing a good job right now."

The NHS offense may have a new look this season.

"Our offense will be a little different than it was," Thut said. "Every kid is different."

The Huskies made sure they had their share of hard hits throughout the four-hour practice Saturday, then ended the long session with what they call the "Pride Drill," in which everyone gathers in a circle and does as many up-downs as they can with an end goal of 100.

Senior Parker Smith, who ran the ball, caught the ball and kicked the ball for the Huskies last season, made it through the tough end to the practice.

"Yes, I do," said Smith when asked if he looked forward to the drill. "Actually, you get your name on a plaque if you make it. I am a senior, so it's a little motivation to get my name on the plaque."

Smith also was excited to finally get full contact going after a week of going through two-a-days.

"It's a lot of fun," Smith said. "Knowing that you work all week in two-a-days, you get in shape and then comes the first day of hitting, it's just so much fun."

Smith had 20 rushes for 146 yards last season, caught two touchdown passes and had a 33.6-yard average on 29 punts. He also was 37 of 43 on extra points. Defensively, he had four fumble recoveries and returned one for a touchdown.

Smith is looking forward to the start of the season and the chance to help keep the program headed in the right direction.

"You got to look at last year and say, 'This is the potential we have,' " Smith said. "And we have to look at this year and say 'We have this much potential if we work hard in the offseason.' And we have to put forth the effort and work hard and I think we are looking great right now."